Traveling to Austria with an Austrian Schengen visa can be a fulfilling experience, especially if you spend quality time outdoors exploring the sight and sounds of the Central European country. Austria is a small, landlocked country with a population of 9 million population. The country borders seven other countries: Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Italy, and Switzerland. It is called a country that connects north and south because of its strategic location.
The official language of the country and widely spoken by the people is German due to its historical links to the country. Still, there are other recognized languages in the country, namely Slovene, Croatian, Burgenland, and Hungarian. The European language diversity of Austria makes it a cultural melting pot in Europe as well as a cultural center for German culture.
The capital of Austria is Vienna which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here you will find art galleries and museums of antiquity displaying the wealth and history of the country. There are castles, palaces, and monasteries, including Hallstatt, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Austria Schengen Visa
Austria was one of the first countries to sign the Schengen Agreement in 1995 and officially became a Schengen member state in 1997. This treaty qualifies the Austrian government through its embassies to issue Schengen visas to visitors. A Schengen visa issued by Austria or any other Schengen country is valid for 180 days from the day of issue. Visitors of this visa can stay in Austria for up to 90 days or travel to any of the other 26 Schengen countries to enjoy their holidays or attend business engagements.
Besides the Schengen countries, thus visa also grants the holder entry into Bulgaria, Romania, and the Island of Cyprus, which are not Schengen countries. They may also opt for short visits to the Micro States like The Vatican, San Marino, Andorra, or Monaco.
Who Is Eligible For An Austrian Schengen Visa?
Nationals from third-world countries who are not on the visa free list may apply for this Schengen visa.
Schengen citizens don’t need this visa since they have visa-free entry into other Schengen countries.
Austria Schengen Visa Requirements
Here are the documents required for Austrian Schengen visas.
A Completed Application Form: A visa application form must be completed in English or German or a German translation of another language. The application form must be signed by the applicant before it is submitted.
Passport: A valid passport issued not more than a decade ago. The passport must have at least 90 days of validity from the day of departure from Austria and at least two visa stamp pages.
Biometric Data: The applicant must include their fingerprint biometric data to authenticate their application.
Travel Medical Insurance: You need to submit travel medical insurance to cover any potential medical cost you may incur during your time in the country. The minimum medical insurance coverage is €30,000.
Visa Fee: The visa application fee must be attached to the application. Applicants between 12-80 years of age must pay €80, while those between 6-11 years of age pay €40, but no fee is charged for applicants outside the age bracket. How the fee is paid will depend on the visa application center, consulate, or embassy.
Proof of Accommodation: The embassy will be interested to know where you plan to stay, so you will need to provide a copy of a hotel reservation with the appropriate date.
Proof of Financial Means: You must provide evidence that you can sustain yourself in Austria for as long as you remain in the country. A statement of account showing a balance to cover your daily expenses of €86 daily will be required.
Cover Letter: A signed letter explaining why you wish to visit Austria and places of interest, including the arrival and departure dates. Note that the dates you provide must coincide with the dates on your travel Itinerary.
Civil Status: This document is required to prove a relationship, such as a marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or death certificate.
How Long Before The Visa Is Ready?
After submitting your documents and visa application form to the embassy, the process will take about 15 working days. Sometimes, it may take up to 60 days due to multiple factors. If you want to avoid unnecessary delays, ensure that you submit only valid documents and fill out the application form correctly. We also advise applicants to answer questions honestly during their interview with the visa officer to remove all doubt and suspicion as to why they need the visa.
An Austria Schengen visa is what you need if you want to visit Austria. You can still visit the beautiful city of Vienna and other amazing cities like Innsbruck and Salzburg, even if you are not a visa-exempt or Schengen country.